The dining scene in Ballston has exploded in the last few years, solidifying the neighborhood as a true destination for foodies, families, and those looking for a quick, healthy bite while on the go.
With more than 80 restaurants in a 5-block radius, the breadth of dining offerings in the neighborhood spans everything from Russian/Uzbek to Mexican, fresh smoothies to homemade ice cream from local favorite, Ice Cream Jubilee.
New arrival bartaco shares Mexican, Brazilian, and Californian influences. Neighborhood staples like Grand Cru Wine Bar and Mussel Bar provide extensive wine options and a more elevated dining experience. You cannot discuss the Ballston food scene without mentioning Ballston Quarter’s Quarter Market offers a vibrant array of national and local cuisines including The Local Oyster, Hot Lola’s, and Rice Crook.
If cocktails and happy hour are more your speed, the Ballston bar scene puts it all on the table. SER, the family-owned, authentic Spanish restaurant won our annual Mix Madness mixology competition in March with their Flores de Cerezo - a celebration of Spanish flavors and Washington’s cherry blossoms.
WHINO, is a 6,200-square-foot restaurant, combined with an art gallery on the second floor of Ballston Quarter. This modern open concept venue invites patron to inhabit large-scale mural installations while enjoying craft cocktails, beer, wine and globally inspired social plates (see header photo).
They have a variety of bold Spanish cocktails and wines with happy hour seven days a week from 3 p.m. - 6 p.m. For beer drinkers, Ballston boasts World of Beer, which has hundreds of brews from around the world, and Bronson Bierhall, which has a traditional German beer hall vibe.
Ballston is for lovers! For the sports lover, Ballston is home to the Stanley Cup-winning Washington Capitals practice arena, the MedStar Capitals Iceplex. There you can watch the Caps practice for free.
For the fitness, exercise lover, and health nut, Ballston is paradise. The neighborhood has more than 15 boutique fitness studios within a 5-block radius and several full-service gyms, the latest to open, VIDA Fitness offers a wealth of amenities including spaciously arranged equipment, a wide variety of classes, luxury locker rooms with towel service as well as a full-service spa.
For the lover of learning and innovation, Ballston is a hub of technology and innovation with four higher education campuses, corporations, and nonprofit organizations working together to better our world. Ballston is home to the campuses of Virginia Tech University, Marymount University, George Washington University, and nearby George Mason University - which aims to innovate on a global scale with a $250 million transformation of their Arlington location.
Love meeting new people in the great outdoors? Ballston has the best parks to get together with friends. For the outdoorsy person who loves nature and enjoys parks, Mosaic Park is the newest addition to Ballston’s parks and recreation scene. With ample equipment for kids, the lounging areas are also a fantastic place to take a book and a take-out meal to enjoy al fresco.
Life is full in Ballston! To stay up to date on new spots to check out and events to attend, follow Ballston BID on Instagram @BallstonBid, on Facebook @BallstonVA, or visit ballstonva.org.
Author: Ballston Business Improvement District
